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Fifth Freedom, 1981-07-01

Fifth Freedom, 1981-07-01

THE FIFTH FREEDOM A PUBLICATION FOR THE BUFFALO GAY COMMUNITY JULY 1981 FREE "The Freedom to love whomever and however we want" Pride Fest '81: Views and Reviews By JOHN A. FAULRING, JR. Gay Pride Fest '81 got under way on June 11 with a sold out ride on the Miss Buffalo. The weather had threatened for a while, but cleared up and allowed everyone to enjoy the ride and the moonlight. It was a crowd of 118 gay men and lesbians that was aboard when the ship cast off. Throughout the three hour ride there was a great mingling of everyone aboard. "It was truly a great way to start the fest," said John Faulring, Jr. Mattachine president, "The unity was there and carried on through the rest of the fest." The ride was a little bumpy at first, but as the sun went down, so did the waves. The ride was longer than last year due to an increased speed used by the captain. We were told that 20 miles are now covered by the trip. There were many inquiries for tickets right up to the time that the boat sailed. Because of the demand for these rides there has been two more trips scheduled before the summer ends. One on August 13 will benefit the Legal Defense Fund and Sept. 2 will be for Gay Professionals third anniversary. Tickets for the first can be obtained from Ron at 885-3155. Tom Hammond at 842-2750 has details on how to get tickets for the GP ride. ON FRIDAY JUNE 19 there was a combined workshop of men and women that discussed "Aging" as it applies to the gay lifestyle. Some of the topics discussed were how the older gay is accepted in the bar scene, how ones does sexually as the years go by, the problems of those who have had a lover for many years and lose them through death (widowhood and widowerhood), and lonliness of the older gays. ROLLER SKATING was the sport for Monday the 22. A crowd of 118 was on hand at Skate Haven in Lackawanna to get in some time on wheels. Everyone had a great time trying to figure out some of the special skates that were called like "ladies only" and "couples only." Then for those who were more daring there was the trios. Everyone had such a good time that there is another party planned for July 28 sponsored by the Gay Pride Fest Coalition. It is open to everyone in the community. VIOLENCE AND LAW were the topics of the evening on the 24th. The first was filled with good ways to protect oneself against physical violence and the second was aimed at combating mental and financial problems that can cause just as much pain. There were demonstrations by a black belt Tae Kwan Do instructor and a women's defense demonstration showing how everyone, regardless of physical strength or size, can protect themselves against violence. The law seminar tried to give us a few insights into how we can get the most out of the system. The most interesting part was a question sheet that was passed out with hypothetical situations that were discussed. The discussion that ensued showed not only how you might handle them, but how people had handled actual situations that had occurred in their lives. WOODLAWN BEACH was the sight of a proposed clean up sponsored by Mc and My Arrow on the 25th. Bad weather in the morning kept the crowd small and the posting of NO TREPASSING signs while the group was there kept the clean-up to a minimum. However, there was a one load detail that did make some impact on the mess. (Note: The beach at Woodlawn is and always has been private property. It is posted now and people are being asked to leave if they are found on the beach. It is not "our beach," so they have a right to ask us to leave. Wouldn't it be nice if some gays that do own beachfront property were to help us have "our own?") "CREATING A GAY COMMUNITY CENTER" proved to be one of the most lively and electric of all the seminars. (Could that have been because it was an all open meeting?) The feelings expressed there were all but totally in support of the idea that Buffalo needs a gay center and that it should be a coalition of women and men and the related groups that opens one. Those speaking out brought their views from their own experiences with the old centers that have been in the past, as well as those who are more in the coming out process and feel the need for that type of support system that the bars don't provide. The two hours definately was not enough to cover all the possibilities, so everyone present agreed to go back to their prospective groups and discuss what had been said. Then, on August 4th, another meeting will be held to relay the input from the groups. Concerned individuals are also invited to express their views. This meeting could be a very pivotal one as far as Buffalo getting a gay center to call its own and to meet the needs of its own. Please plan to attend if at all'possible. THE WILCOX MANSION was the sight of a wine and cheese party on Triday theJ>6. The crowd of 115 was able to tour the historical significance of the building and then were treated to the hysterical. John A. Faulring, Jr., Mattachine President, did a cooking demonstration a la Julia Child. Julia brought her new book along, THE IRA DIET PLAN: FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DYING TO LOSE WEIGHT and gave a few tips on how not to stuff your next chicken. (Pictures elsewhere in this paper!) A good time was had by all as there was an art show, good friends and plenty of the bubbly to go around. Another chance to experience something that only Buffalo can offer. PICNIC TWO was held the 28th with much of the same activities as with the first. This one was for those whochose not to go to New York City for the march. It was a great way to celebrate the anniversary of Stonewall right here in NYC Parade: reedom Was There By JOSEPH (Editor's Note: Joseph, owner of Mc and My Arrow, attended the New York City Gay Pride march in June. The following is his personal account):NEW YORK - On June 28, 1981 I dutifully appeared at Sheridan Square at 11 a.m. to march in this year's New York City Gay Pride Parade. I had wanted to be a part of this event for years, but had never had the opportunity. This year I was able to attend, so I flew down to celebrate with an estimated fifty thousand people.It was a gloriously clear, bright, warm day. New York's customary humidity showed no signs of making an appearance. The parade stepped off at exactly noon. I planned on marching in the middle of the parade, so I had a chance to watch the first half. The parade originates at the site of The Stonewall bar, where the Gay liberation movement began 12 years ago when a police raid was strongly retaliated by the Gay customers of that establishment. The Grand Marshall of the parade was one of those customers. One of the first groups to march by was the Parents of Gays. There were several sets of parents with their Gay offspring. Some carried placards declaring their pride and support. This group naturally received a great ovation from the assembled watchers. It was then the tears started. I cried due to the sheer joy of seeing so many people being happy and proud to celebrate their Gayness. I had understood for so many years that this was something to be ashamed of.'And a lot of Gay people sti 11 hold that theory to be true. So this was one of the most moving sights I had ever witnessed. And mine were not the only eyes that were notdry. It's a thrillingand exhilerating experience. The tears remained as we cheered the Gay Teachers and the busload of the elderly and infirm. There were leather groups, Gay and Lesbian Liberation groups, social groups, and service groups, There were Gay Daddies, The Boy/Man Love Association, The National Gay Task Force, and The Gay, Switchboard. The New York Gay Marching Band, The Washington Different Drummers, and the New York City Gay Chorus entertained. There were other groups from all over the country.We all marched from Sheridan Square to Washington Square, where we started up Fifth Avenue. There were as many observers of the parade as participants. They cheered our way as we progressed up Fifth Avenue to Central Park. Occasionally, whole parties of people tossed every torn up telephone book in the city from terraces high in buildings along the route. As the confetti streamed down, marchers cheered out to reciprocate their support. At one point, there was a dear elderly lady observing from the sidewalk carrying high a banner proclaiming "Grandma For Gays." She also received a prand ovation. This was the scene in New York City June 28 for the Gay Pride Week Parade celebrating the anniversary of the Stonewall riot of 1969. Our Coven:Gay Pride Here and There The cover of this issue is a collage of places and faces involved in Gay Pride events here and in New York City. From upper left hand corner clockwise are: The Wilcox Mansion (Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site) where a Wine and Cheese party was held on Friday June 26. Julia Child doing her thing at the Wilcox. Rumor has it that Teddy was heard rolling over after this one. The U.S.S. Little Rock sight of a Mattachine Dance on the 4th of July, located in The Buffalo Naval and Servicemen's Park. The Buffalo skyline as seen from the Miss Buffalo cruise on June 11, the start of Gay Pride Fest '81. The start of the march in New York City. And marchers along the parade route. (NYC photos courtesy of Jo seph) Continued on page 4 Continued on page 4

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Transcript

THE FIFTH FREEDOM A PUBLICATION FOR THE BUFFALO GAY COMMUNITY JULY 1981 FREE "The Freedom to love whomever and however we want" Pride Fest '81: Views and Reviews By JOHN A. FAULRING, JR. Gay Pride Fest '81 got under way on June 11 with a sold out ride on the Miss Buffalo. The weather had threatened for a while, but cleared up and allowed everyone to enjoy the ride and the moonlight. It was a crowd of 118 gay men and lesbians that was aboard when the ship cast off. Throughout the three hour ride there was a great mingling of everyone aboard. "It was truly a great way to start the fest," said John Faulring, Jr. Mattachine president, "The unity was there and carried on through the rest of the fest." The ride was a little bumpy at first, but as the sun went down, so did the waves. The ride was longer than last year due to an increased speed used by the captain. We were told that 20 miles are now covered by the trip. There were many inquiries for tickets right up to the time that the boat sailed. Because of the demand for these rides there has been two more trips scheduled before the summer ends. One on August 13 will benefit the Legal Defense Fund and Sept. 2 will be for Gay Professionals third anniversary. Tickets for the first can be obtained from Ron at 885-3155. Tom Hammond at 842-2750 has details on how to get tickets for the GP ride. ON FRIDAY JUNE 19 there was a combined workshop of men and women that discussed "Aging" as it applies to the gay lifestyle. Some of the topics discussed were how the older gay is accepted in the bar scene, how ones does sexually as the years go by, the problems of those who have had a lover for many years and lose them through death (widowhood and widowerhood), and lonliness of the older gays. ROLLER SKATING was the sport for Monday the 22. A crowd of 118 was on hand at Skate Haven in Lackawanna to get in some time on wheels. Everyone had a great time trying to figure out some of the special skates that were called like "ladies only" and "couples only." Then for those who were more daring there was the trios. Everyone had such a good time that there is another party planned for July 28 sponsored by the Gay Pride Fest Coalition. It is open to everyone in the community. VIOLENCE AND LAW were the topics of the evening on the 24th. The first was filled with good ways to protect oneself against physical violence and the second was aimed at combating mental and financial problems that can cause just as much pain. There were demonstrations by a black belt Tae Kwan Do instructor and a women's defense demonstration showing how everyone, regardless of physical strength or size, can protect themselves against violence. The law seminar tried to give us a few insights into how we can get the most out of the system. The most interesting part was a question sheet that was passed out with hypothetical situations that were discussed. The discussion that ensued showed not only how you might handle them, but how people had handled actual situations that had occurred in their lives. WOODLAWN BEACH was the sight of a proposed clean up sponsored by Mc and My Arrow on the 25th. Bad weather in the morning kept the crowd small and the posting of NO TREPASSING signs while the group was there kept the clean-up to a minimum. However, there was a one load detail that did make some impact on the mess. (Note: The beach at Woodlawn is and always has been private property. It is posted now and people are being asked to leave if they are found on the beach. It is not "our beach," so they have a right to ask us to leave. Wouldn't it be nice if some gays that do own beachfront property were to help us have "our own?") "CREATING A GAY COMMUNITY CENTER" proved to be one of the most lively and electric of all the seminars. (Could that have been because it was an all open meeting?) The feelings expressed there were all but totally in support of the idea that Buffalo needs a gay center and that it should be a coalition of women and men and the related groups that opens one. Those speaking out brought their views from their own experiences with the old centers that have been in the past, as well as those who are more in the coming out process and feel the need for that type of support system that the bars don't provide. The two hours definately was not enough to cover all the possibilities, so everyone present agreed to go back to their prospective groups and discuss what had been said. Then, on August 4th, another meeting will be held to relay the input from the groups. Concerned individuals are also invited to express their views. This meeting could be a very pivotal one as far as Buffalo getting a gay center to call its own and to meet the needs of its own. Please plan to attend if at all'possible. THE WILCOX MANSION was the sight of a wine and cheese party on Triday theJ>6. The crowd of 115 was able to tour the historical significance of the building and then were treated to the hysterical. John A. Faulring, Jr., Mattachine President, did a cooking demonstration a la Julia Child. Julia brought her new book along, THE IRA DIET PLAN: FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DYING TO LOSE WEIGHT and gave a few tips on how not to stuff your next chicken. (Pictures elsewhere in this paper!) A good time was had by all as there was an art show, good friends and plenty of the bubbly to go around. Another chance to experience something that only Buffalo can offer. PICNIC TWO was held the 28th with much of the same activities as with the first. This one was for those whochose not to go to New York City for the march. It was a great way to celebrate the anniversary of Stonewall right here in NYC Parade: reedom Was There By JOSEPH (Editor's Note: Joseph, owner of Mc and My Arrow, attended the New York City Gay Pride march in June. The following is his personal account):NEW YORK - On June 28, 1981 I dutifully appeared at Sheridan Square at 11 a.m. to march in this year's New York City Gay Pride Parade. I had wanted to be a part of this event for years, but had never had the opportunity. This year I was able to attend, so I flew down to celebrate with an estimated fifty thousand people.It was a gloriously clear, bright, warm day. New York's customary humidity showed no signs of making an appearance. The parade stepped off at exactly noon. I planned on marching in the middle of the parade, so I had a chance to watch the first half. The parade originates at the site of The Stonewall bar, where the Gay liberation movement began 12 years ago when a police raid was strongly retaliated by the Gay customers of that establishment. The Grand Marshall of the parade was one of those customers. One of the first groups to march by was the Parents of Gays. There were several sets of parents with their Gay offspring. Some carried placards declaring their pride and support. This group naturally received a great ovation from the assembled watchers. It was then the tears started. I cried due to the sheer joy of seeing so many people being happy and proud to celebrate their Gayness. I had understood for so many years that this was something to be ashamed of.'And a lot of Gay people sti 11 hold that theory to be true. So this was one of the most moving sights I had ever witnessed. And mine were not the only eyes that were notdry. It's a thrillingand exhilerating experience. The tears remained as we cheered the Gay Teachers and the busload of the elderly and infirm. There were leather groups, Gay and Lesbian Liberation groups, social groups, and service groups, There were Gay Daddies, The Boy/Man Love Association, The National Gay Task Force, and The Gay, Switchboard. The New York Gay Marching Band, The Washington Different Drummers, and the New York City Gay Chorus entertained. There were other groups from all over the country.We all marched from Sheridan Square to Washington Square, where we started up Fifth Avenue. There were as many observers of the parade as participants. They cheered our way as we progressed up Fifth Avenue to Central Park. Occasionally, whole parties of people tossed every torn up telephone book in the city from terraces high in buildings along the route. As the confetti streamed down, marchers cheered out to reciprocate their support. At one point, there was a dear elderly lady observing from the sidewalk carrying high a banner proclaiming "Grandma For Gays." She also received a prand ovation. This was the scene in New York City June 28 for the Gay Pride Week Parade celebrating the anniversary of the Stonewall riot of 1969. Our Coven:Gay Pride Here and There The cover of this issue is a collage of places and faces involved in Gay Pride events here and in New York City. From upper left hand corner clockwise are: The Wilcox Mansion (Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site) where a Wine and Cheese party was held on Friday June 26. Julia Child doing her thing at the Wilcox. Rumor has it that Teddy was heard rolling over after this one. The U.S.S. Little Rock sight of a Mattachine Dance on the 4th of July, located in The Buffalo Naval and Servicemen's Park. The Buffalo skyline as seen from the Miss Buffalo cruise on June 11, the start of Gay Pride Fest '81. The start of the march in New York City. And marchers along the parade route. (NYC photos courtesy of Jo seph) Continued on page 4 Continued on page 4